The linebacker trained with key linebacker drills is absolutely the most integral part of the defense.  In some cases, the linebacker is the emotional leader of the entire team.  In run situations, they fill open lanes between the defensive line and police  underneath deep zones or quick passes in man coverage.  Linebackers are most often the face of the defense and their energy will have a direct effect on the huddle and other players.  They are certainly the most dynamic athletes on the field because of all the different qualities they must acquire to be effective:

 

Tackling skills

Speed and tenacity to pursue with intensity

Ability to tolerate and shed blocks

Coverage skills

Intelligence

Leadership

 

Regardless of size, if your athletes obtain these talents, then they can have success in any type of defensive scheme.  Size has nothing to do with the intensity and mentality it takes to play the toughest position on the field.  Playing linebacker is more about movement and attitude!!  When designing your linebacker drills, it is vital to understand the position demands and movements so that their training will transfer to the field.

Deceleration and lateral movement are probably the most important aspects of training when designing your blueprint to develop linebackers.  Save the 40-yard dash and Pro-agility drill for the combine.  If you want your athletes to make plays on the field, then your linebacker drills need to focus on lateral position movement.  Speed does kill, but if you cannot move laterally then you will never be in position to make plays.

Obtaining the ability to absorb and create force when decelerating and reaccelerating can only be developed through decelerative strength exercises.   The following decelerative strength exercises will help prevent injuries and enhance change of direction capabilities during your linebacker drills:

1. Lateral lunges

Lateral lunges work the hamstrings, quads and hips allowing the athlete to move fast and explosive laterally.  You can use dumbbells, kettle bells or a barbell.

* When first introducing, start with an exaggerated stance separating feet four feet apart.

* Toes pointed straight ahead.

* Understanding beforehand that falling into the lift is unnecessary but controlling the weight is key.

* On the descent, take a small breathe storing it in your core causing your abs to brace for contact.

* The first movement should be the athlete sitting their hips back done initially by the glutes.

* Hinge the hips first and then allow the knee to bend keeping the opposite leg straight.

* Ensure players do not allow knees to buckle inward but to maintain knees in direct alignment with the feet.

* Also make sure that athletes do not bend at the waist and keep a strong chest and back flat.

* Squat as low as possible, holding this position for second count.

* Push back through the floor to the starting position and repeat to the opposite side.

Coaching Point: Remember that squatting below parallel is ideal but not everyone is able. The focus should always be to squat as low as possible while maintaining proper body placement. Initially, most kids won’t have the flexibility nor the mobility to perform a squat to below parallel.

2. Angle lunges

These are similar to lateral lunges, but you step on a 45-degree angle forward. This is an outstanding movement that simulates a lot of linebacker drills.  It will also train your athletes in another plane of motion.

3. Lateral step-ups

These emphasize development of hips, quadriceps and glutes.

4. Sleds: Lateral Step/Cross-Over Step

This might be the best exercise for lateral movement patterns. Side steps create maximal force for lateral movements. Placing the athlete in a sound defensive position, have the athlete drive their foot into the ground and perform a lateral step. Coaches make sure that they maintain a good defensive position throughout the drill.